To expedite your passport as quickly and painlessly as possible, you’ll have to prepare five critical items for documentation: proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, passport photos, proof of intent to travel, and the appropriate passport form completed via an official government form filler online. There are various exceptions and rules for these items, so we’ll walk you through the details of each one to help you prepare accordingly. Our Hollywood passport agency is growing rapidly, but we still offer Walk-ins.
To schedule an appointment at our Hollywood location, or ask any questions before visiting, call the office at 954-302-7069.
Bring proper documentation to your Hollywood passport agency appointment.
Gather These Documents Before Your Appointment at the Hollywood Passport Agency
You will need to bring the following documentation to your Hollywood Passport Agency appointment for your new passport:
Completed Passport Application
- You must obtain Form DS-11, “Application for a U.S. Passport,” from the State Department website for new or child passports. You may complete it online; however, you will still need to print it. Find both forms on the official government form filler.
- DO NOT SIGN IT UNTIL YOU ARE IN FRONT OF THE PASSPORT ACCEPTANCE AGENT. The agent must witness each traveler signing the form.
- You should use the government form filler to print your application. Applications filled out by hand will need to be typed in by our staff at the office.
- You will have to supply your Social Security number, address, information about your parents, current or previous marriages, birthdate, birthplace, and physical description.
- For adult travelers who were never issued a Social Security number, you must draft, sign and date an affidavit that states, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have never been issued a Social Security Number (SSN) by the Social Security Administration (SSA).”
PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
You must present proof of U.S. citizenship when applying for a passport. Your old passport will suffice, while a government-issued birth certificate has been certified by the state where you were born. If you were born outside of the United States, submit your naturalization certificate or consular report of birth abroad. You can use your naturalization certificate to apply, and it will you waive from the requirement to prove your identity.
If you are unable to produce these documents, there’s no need to worry. You will need to submit some early school records with your hospital-issued birth affidavit or birth certificate. Sometimes, circumstances arise (especially with older travelers) where no birth records are available. In lieu of those government records, you must obtain a letter from the government attesting to the same.
PROOF OF IDENTITY
You can use an existing passport (if you have one) to establish your identity. Other primary forms of identification include your naturalization or citizenship certificate, valid military ID, state ID or driver’, driver’s other, or-issued identification card.
Suppose you do not have front and back photocopies of the identification you intend to submit (this is on a letter-size sheet of white paper). In that case, you can visit in person to complete this service. Those lacking acceptable primary identification documents may alternatively submit multiple types of secondary identification like valid employee identification cards, credit cards, and Social Security cards. Also, it is acceptable to bring along a witness willing to swear under oath that you are whom you claim to be.
Passport Photo
If you don’t have a passport photo when you apply in-person, we can take the photo for you at the office.
The Basic Requirements
- The dimensions of your passport photo must be in a 2” X2” format
- The photo may be printed on glossy or matt paper
- The photo must be printed in color
- You must take your photo in front of a plain, white, or off-white background.
- The photo may not be digitally altered.
Avoid Obstructing your Facial Features
Shadows and Lighting
It is essential to know that a passport photo may not contain any shadows on or behind your face. The rule is in place to avoid any obstruction of your facial features. Shadows can also obscure skin tone. Passport officials deny applications with any shadows except for shadows that may be cast behind your ears. You should be fine if there is a clear definition between the background and the applicant.
How to avoid this? Lighting. Make sure your passport photo is well-lit, and if you can, ask for a practice photo to ensure no shadows are cast on or behind you when taking the photo.
Glasses
Seeing glasses and sunglasses are a big “NO” in passport photos. The main reason is that it does not allow for a clear view of your face. You must take off any eyewear, even if you wear it daily.
Hats and Headgear
Hats and head coverings are unacceptable unless you must wear them for religious or medical purposes. If a hat or head covering is a religious or medical requirement, you must submit a signed letter explaining your preference with your passport application.
Masks and Face Coverings
Passport officials know there is still a global pandemic, and applicants might feel comfortable wearing masks or face coverings. You must remove your mask or face covering for the photo. Passport officials must see your entire face to establish your identity.
Attire
A passport photo requires a close-up of your face, with your upper shoulders visible. What you wear is essential for a successful photo, and it is best to keep your attire clean and straightforward. Overdressing might not be in your favor.
Another thing to consider is your makeup for the passport photo. Vibrant, unnatural colors could also get your application suspended, so it is best to look like yourself. Stick to wearing light, natural makeup.
Pose and Expression
Make sure you are entirely facing forward in your passport photo. This includes any head tilting, so remember to keep the middle of your chin facing forward. This trick can help avoid an over or an extension of the neck. Also, your eyes must also be facing the camera and visible in the photo. However, a photo where an applicant’s eyes look up, down, or to the side will be denied.
Your face must remain neutral, avoiding any significant expressions. Any big expression, even as simple as a big smile, is a no-go. This is not to say that you can’t smile in your photo, but it must be a small, soft, neutral smile and no teeth.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
To process your expedited passport, you must provide proof of travel intent. Acceptable documents include copies of your international cruise and airline reservations or a copy of reservations for your hotel or lodging. Substitute a business letter written on your company letterhead instead. DATES OF YOUR DS-11 AND TRAVEL ITINERARY MUST MATCH AND STATE YOUR NAME.
DOCUMENTATION YOU WILL NEED FOR CHILDREN’S PASSPORT APPLICATION
If you will be traveling with a child who is 15 or younger, you must have proof of your parental identity, i.e., certified birth certificates, adoption decrees or other court orders. Should both of the child’s parents not be planning to travel with them overseas, the custodial parent must submit either documentation that they’ve been awarded sole custody or guardianship or obtain from their child’s other parent a statement of consent (Form DS-3053) granting that parent permission to apply for a passport for the child.
How to Renew Your Passport at the Hollywood Passport Office
You can renew your current or expired U.S passport online unless your passport was:
- Issued more than 15 years ago
- Issued before your 16th birthday
- Lost, damaged, or stolen
- Issued in your last name, you don’t have a legal document to prove your name change.
- A temporary emergency passport was issued abroad over a year ago.
If any of the above are true, you cannot renew your passport online and you must apply for a new passport in person at the Hollywood Passport Office using form DS-11.
Passport renewal in Hollywood is easy. Simply follow the steps outlined below:
- Use the official government form filler to complete and print Form DS-82.
- Bring a passport photo. Follow the requirements listed above.
- Bring your most recent passport.
- If your name was changed, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate or a court order of your name change.
Applying with The Passport Office
There’s us, The Passport Office, for those who don’t like to take risks with their pertinent travel documentation. We offer concierge passport expediting services near you, so no matter your travel predicament, we can help you out when you’re in a bind. With our fastest processing speed, we can guarantee the delivery of your passport within three business days! So what are you waiting for? Apply at our Hollywood passport agency today!
